South Holston Dam, located on the South Fork Holston River in Tennessee, is a remarkable structure designed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1950, this rockfill dam stands at an impressive height of 285 feet and has a storage capacity of 890,367 acre-feet, making it a crucial element in managing water resources in the region.
Not only does South Holston Dam serve as a flood control measure, but it also supports hydroelectric power generation, recreational activities, and water supply for the surrounding areas. With a surface area of 7,600 acres and a drainage area of 703 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in regulating water flow and ensuring a balance in the ecosystem.
Despite its high hazard potential, South Holston Dam has been maintained by the Tennessee Valley Authority to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, outlet gates, and various associated structures demonstrate the complexity of this critical infrastructure that continues to provide essential services while being a symbol of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
Dam Height |
285 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK HOLSTON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
7600 |
Hydraulic Height |
275 |
Drainage Area |
703 |
Nid Storage |
890367 |
Structural Height |
285 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled, Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
285 |
Beaver Creek At Bristol
|
24cfs |
Watauga River At Elizabethton
|
423cfs |
Doe River At Elizabethton
|
293cfs |
S F Holston River Near Damascus
|
206cfs |
M F Holston River Near Meadowview
|
92cfs |
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
|
62cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Little Oak
|
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Little Oak Campground
|
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Jacobs Creek Rec Area
|
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Jacobs Creek Campground
|
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Jacobs Creek Recreation Area
|
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Low Gap Camp
|